House of Commons Hansard #9 of the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was chair.
This summary is computer-generated. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
Business of the House Steven MacKinnon moves motion agreed to by Members to change House Standing Orders for the 45th Parliament regarding committee composition, appointment, and procedures for suspending sittings during late-night votes. 400 words.
Strong Borders Act Second reading of Bill C-2. The bill aims to strengthen border security, combat organized crime, fentanyl trafficking, money laundering, and enhance immigration system integrity. Proponents say it provides crucial new tools for law enforcement. Critics raise concerns about its omnibus nature, lack of provisions on bail and sentencing, insufficient resources, and privacy implications of new powers, including lawful access and mail inspection, arguing it requires thorough, detailed work in committee. 44700 words, 6 hours in 2 segments: 1 2.
Main Estimates, 2025-26 Members debate Public Safety and Transport estimates. Discussions include concerns about correctional service decisions, bail reform, gun control (including the buyback program), and border security (Bill C-2, CBSA/RCMP hiring). They also discuss efforts to strengthen the economy and create a single Canadian market by reducing internal trade barriers, investments in national transport infrastructure like ports and rail, and issues with air passenger rights. 31800 words, 4 hours.
Chrystia Freeland Liberal University—Rosedale, ON
Mr. Chair, Canadians not being treated well when they travel and not having access to quick results when there are problems is, obviously, unacceptable to me. I would hope it is unacceptable to everyone in this House.
Dan Albas Conservative Okanagan Lake West—South Kelowna, BC
Mr. Chair, is the minister aware that in 2023, the CTA exceeded its planned staffing of 186 full-time equivalents, ended up with 287 and has such a huge backlog?
Chrystia Freeland Liberal University—Rosedale, ON
Mr. Chair, as I have said a few times already tonight, ensuring that Canadian passengers are treated well is a priority with me. I believe I am a fair teacher, but I am also a tough grader, and I will ensure they are treated well.
Dan Albas Conservative Okanagan Lake West—South Kelowna, BC
Mr. Chair, the CTA planned to spend $22.5 million in 2023 but spent $38.5 million. Is it the opinion of the minister that this is proper financial management, yes or no?
Chrystia Freeland Liberal University—Rosedale, ON
Again, Mr. Chair, I am going to talk about my plans, my work as transport and internal trade minister, and I can be unequivocal. Passengers will always come first with me. It is important they be treated—
Dan Albas Conservative Okanagan Lake West—South Kelowna, BC
Mr. Chair, I am thrilled that the minister wants to talk of her work. Does the minister support or oppose Canadian airlines' use of non-disclosure agreements when resolving complaints?
Chrystia Freeland Liberal University—Rosedale, ON
Mr. Chair, I am really grateful for the question, because it is an issue that I am aware of. It is an issue I have asked my team to look into, and my team has spoken directly with the passenger rights advocates. It is an issue I have raised with our fine deputy minister—
Dan Albas Conservative Okanagan Lake West—South Kelowna, BC
Mr. Chair, if the minister does not support NDAs and is concerned, when will she act on it? Can she give us a date?
Chrystia Freeland Liberal University—Rosedale, ON
Mr. Chair, I think we are all familiar with the saying “measure twice, cut once”. This is an important issue. It is an issue that I am seized with and where—
Dan Albas Conservative Okanagan Lake West—South Kelowna, BC
Mr. Chair, is the minister aware that airlines can challenge the CTA decisions by suing passengers in a federal court?
Chrystia Freeland Liberal University—Rosedale, ON
Mr. Chair, as I have said quite clearly, it is an issue that I am seized with. It is an issue that my team and I have begun to work on. I do believe that—
Dan Albas Conservative Okanagan Lake West—South Kelowna, BC
Mr. Chair, I would like a simple yes or no. Is the minister aware that a passenger can be sued by an airline in Federal Court?
Chrystia Freeland Liberal University—Rosedale, ON
Mr. Chair, I think I have actually been very clear in response to a rather tendentious line of questioning. My answer is that we need to take care of passengers. I am looking into the processes and mechanisms that exist. The—
Dan Albas Conservative Okanagan Lake West—South Kelowna, BC
Mr. Chair, I just want to know if the minister finds it acceptable that when someone avails themselves of the CTA, they may end up in Federal Court.
Chrystia Freeland Liberal University—Rosedale, ON
Mr. Chair, as I said, I was aware of the mechanism that existed when I became minister. I am aware of the complaints and concerns passengers have. It is something I am seized with. It is something that I intend to act on, but I will—
Dan Albas Conservative Okanagan Lake West—South Kelowna, BC
Mr. Chair, a Kelowna couple was taken to Federal Court after winning their CTA claim. Did the CTA or the government provide them or any other similar case with legal representation in Federal Court, yes or no?
Chrystia Freeland Liberal University—Rosedale, ON
Again, Mr. Chair, I am speaking as transport minister in a new government. This is an issue I am aware of. I am aware of the concerns of passenger rights groups and the concerns of passengers. I take those concerns very seriously—
Dan Albas Conservative Okanagan Lake West—South Kelowna, BC
Maybe I will just put a bow on this one, Mr. Chair.
Does the minister think it is fair for an airline to sue a passenger for trying to seek redress through the CTA?
